GEORGE TOWN – Parti Bangsa Malaysia’s (PBM) Penang wing has welcomed any leader to join its ranks, including International Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali who is now with Bersatu.
In view of Azmin’s ally Datuk Seri Zuraida Kamaruddin announcing her intention to leave Bersatu and join PBM yesterday, state PBM chairman Alan Oh said that the party would welcome any leaders who believe in their multiracial agenda.
“Zuraida would be an asset simply because she has performed well when she was in PKR and when she had helmed three ministries previously,” said Oh.
“If Azmin is keen, he too has to undergo the same practice and apply through the proper channels. For now, though, we are delighted that Zuraida has joined us.”
Azmin was the PKR deputy president and Zuraida was its vice-president before the duo led several other leaders to exit from the party in early 2020. They then joined Bersatu, leading to the collapse of the then Pakatan Harapan government.
Oh told a press conference here that leaders who believe in the principle of multiracialism would be a welcome addition to the party.
Previously, Oh also said that PBM is leaning towards supporting Barisan Nasional (BN) in the next general election because the country needs a stable political environment to move forward after the brief PH rule from May 2018 to February 2020 had resulted in much uncertainty.
Oh also said that based on her track record, Zuraida should be retained in the cabinet, as she contributes and performs as a minister.
With the inclusion of Zuraida, PBM is now fairly confident of competing in the next election, hence it is eyeing up to four parliament and 10 state seats in Penang.
Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Eddin Syazlee Shith has commented that Zuraida’s desire to be part of a multiracial nationalist party might have been the key motivation behind her decision to quit Bersatu for PBM.
Speaking to The Vibes, the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department also rubbished suggestions that Zuraida’s departure had to do with a falling out with some of the party’s top leaders.
The Kuala Pilah MP commended Zuraida for taking the honourable action of quitting the party rather than causing a commotion in Bersatu, as well as her decision to give up her ministerial portfolio as minister of plantation industries and commodities. – The Vibes, May 27, 2022.
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